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‘Leave If You’re Not Ready to Defend’ – Dricus Du Plessis Slammed Over Refusal to Face Backup Opponent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 11:35 PM ET

UFC 319 is still months away, but anticipation is already building as the promotion prepares for its return to the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The event is officially scheduled for August 16. Headlining the event is a highly anticipated middleweight title fight between current champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. But even with the date locked in, controversy is starting to bubble—especially after the champ made it clear he’s not interested in facing a particular top contender if the plan falls apart.

In a recent interview shared by RMC Sport Combat, Du Plessis voiced his singular focus on fighting Chimaev and made his stance on Nassourdine Imavov crystal clear. ‘I have to be honest, if [Chimaev] pulls out of this fight early, I will not fight Imavov because I want to fight Khamzat.

I don't want anything else,’ Du Plessis said. He added, ‘If I'm already there, two weeks, I'll fight Imavov if [Chimaev] pulls out. If he pulls out on four weeks, I'm not gonna fight.

️ "Imavov est très fort."

Le champion des -84kg de l'UFC Du Plessis se confie sur Khamzat Chimaev ainsi que notre français Imavov. pic.twitter.com/dopAbLxEQS
— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) June 6, 2025

I will wait for him because I want to beat him, because he's the best right now. I want to only fight the best of the best.’ Du Plessis has also publicly expressed concern that Chimaev may not make it to fight night, adding more tension to the situation.

The remarks didn’t sit well with Imavov , who fired back on social media with a sharp response: ‘Thanks for the compliments @dricusduplessis but you're not Jon Jones, if something happens, you're not going to block anything, if you're not ready to defend leave the place.’

While Du Plessis didn’t rule Imavov out entirely, it’s clear he’s not eager to risk his belt unless it’s against Chimaev. Imavov, riding a four-fight win streak and fresh off a major victory over Israel Adesanya, isn’t likely to take the sideline treatment lightly. As UFC 319 approaches, the drama outside the cage is already delivering plenty of action.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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